As the birthplace and spiritual home of Islam, Saudi Arabia offers adventurous travellers who also like luxury, a rare chance to explore dramatic desert landscapes, UNESCO-listed heritage, and a coastline brimming with marine life, while staying in grand resorts. This carefully curated journey is perfect for first-time visitors seeking a balance of cultural discovery, relaxation, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It’s ideal for those with a taste for the extraordinary - history lovers, intrepid explorers, and anyone curious about the rich traditions of the Arabian Peninsula.
Start in vibrant Jeddah, the gateway to Mecca, where modernity meets the soul of the Old Town. Then head inland to AlUla, a stunning desert region known for its Nabataean tombs, sandstone formations, and atmospheric old souks. The tour ends in style with time to unwind on the Red Sea’s untouched islands, home to coral reefs and luxury resorts. With all travel arrangements taken care of, this trip lets you soak up the beauty, history, and emerging hospitality of Saudi Arabia in total comfort.
Depart London and arrive in Jeddah in the evening. You will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
Your guide will pick you up after breakfast and take you on a tour of Jeddah, the second busiest seaport in the Middle East and principal gateway to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. It is also perceived to be the most liberal city in Saudi Arabia.
Your first visit of the day is the Tayebat museum to gain more knowledge about the country and its culture. Then head to the Central Fish Market, a hotspot where buyers and sellers come together to buy their seafood. After lunch, continue to the atmospheric old town of Al Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, with its ancient architecture. Here, you’ll find traditional multi-story buildings and merchant houses, featuring unique wooden window coverings. Visiting Al Balad is like stepping back in time, and it is likely one of the last places to experience the authentic Middle East – a blend of sights and smells. (B,L,D)
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to AlUla where you will be welcomed by an English-speaking guide. After lunch, you have the afternoon at leisure and you can either relax or explore AlUla’s old town, which once sat at the crossroads of the Silk Road and the Incense Route. Get lost in the magical maze of ancient alleys, trendy restaurants and souvenir shops.
Just before sunset head for Elephant Rock to watch the sun set in the golden desert sands. Dinner is at a local restaurant in the old town. (B,L,D)
The draw to AlUla is its remarkable natural rock formations and canyons, extensive and varied pre-Arabic rock art, and immaculately preserved tombs built more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans. Start the day with a visit to the Nabataean site of Hegra by private vintage Land Rover, to explore several of the well-preserved monumental tombs, most with elaborate facades carved from rock formations scattered around the desert. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the hotel for some time at leisure.
In the late afternoon, head to a remote part of the desert in a 4x4, for an amazing evening tour, where you walk the Oasis Heritage Trail and end the day with a visit of AlUla's artists area, which has a colourful vibe with street art and exhibits spread out in its walking streets, making for a great stroll with numerous options for a drink on a terrace, watching the world go by while the sun changes the colours of the towering cliffs around. (B,L,D)
No trip to Saudi Arabia is complete without a 4x4 excursion into the Sharaan Nature Reserve. Today's adventure begins with a pick-up from your resort in a Land Rover Defender 130 in the afternoon. Upon arrival at the Sharaan Nature Reserve, you will receive a stainless steel water bottle and an informative briefing from a dedicated Conservation Guide.
The safari through canyons and valleys offers opportunities to explore vast rock formations, ancient inscriptions, and fragrant fields of local flora. As sunset approaches, a short hike leads to a breathtaking viewpoint of the expansive valley and canyons, accompanied by delicious canapés.
The evening continues at the camp, where lantern-lit canyons create a magical atmosphere. Guided by the Conservation Guide, participants will use UV lights to spot nocturnal creatures and learn about their importance in the ecosystem. A sumptuous four-course South African-style "braai" will be served, featuring grilled meats, vegetables, sides, and delightful desserts. (B,D)
Today, embark on an overland journey to what they call the destination of the future, Red Sea Global – a luxury regenerative tourism destination in Saudi Arabia. Boasting breathtaking beaches and pristine islands. The drive through the serene desert landscape takes around four to five hours.
From the Red Sea port, continue by shared speed boat to your amazing resort in the Red Sea. Overnight in a Dune Villa (B)
Experience the perfect blend of luxury and nature on the islands surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, dedicated to preserve a diverse ecosystem. Lounge by the infinity pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or be more active and go snorkelling, diving or any of the water sports activities the resort has to offer. (B)
On your final day at the resort, you could try some mangrove kayaking through the Red Sea’s crystal clear tributaries or have a go at paddle boarding and kitesurfing at this magnificent resort along the west coast of Saudi Arabia, a paradise boasting 90 untouched islands, stunning beaches, and a range of natural wonders, including dormant volcanoes, desert dunes, and mountain canyons. The Red Sea is also home to the world’s fourth-biggest barrier reef, where marine life and coral thrive like nowhere else. (B)
Return to the mainland and fly back to Jeddah, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,D)
After breakfast it’s time for your transfer to the airport to catch your return flight. (B)
Price Includes
Please note that due to limited domestic flights between Jeddah and AlUla, this itinerary works best if you depart from the UK on a Friday.
Price Includes
Price Excludes